Monday, February 18, 2008

Snapshot: Susan Stripling











Gorgeous + Ethereal... those are the two words that come to mind when I browse through Susan's portfolio. Her images are timeless and soft and feminine and flowing with drama and underlying stories. Simply put, they are pretty and make you feel something- what more can you ask? She's based in Florida but available for travel- so hurry on over and give her site a looksie.

As my taste in photography continues to be ever-evolving, I am beginning to realize how much I am not really a fan of "photo-journalism" as much as I am a fan of "unobtrusive editorial-style photography" (I am sure that there is a much better term for this but this is the best I could come up with for now). As I meet more photographers and get a feel for what their styles are... I am beginning to see that I favor photographers who do instruct their subjects vaguely and then capture the magazine-worthy moments in an unexpected way. I love photographers, like Susan, who seem to have a vision for the photograph before it ever happens. I can appreciate this artistic approach. Now- I will be the first to rant about photographers that spend too much time "trying to force emotions that never happened at the wedding" or even creating whole scenes for show... but I will also say that sometimes we just aren't all that glamorous on our own. All too often I see brides spend oodles on their wedding photography with a reputable photographer but ask that their photos are ALL photo-journalistic... only to be disappointed with how mediocre and standard the reality of their day truely was. Sure, they're good photos- and awesome angles and editing... but they lack that punch, that drama, that EMOTION....If a bride is wanting to be photographed EXACTLY as it happened then strictly photo-journalistic styles are the way to go... but if they are wanting to be photographed exactly as they WANT to see it happen and unfold, then perhaps finding a photographer that is unobtrusive, creative, and a bit of a visionary is a better route. My favorite photographers know when to direct and when to coast on auto-pilot, and in the opinion of this blogger- THAT is the balance that one should seek in their wedding photography.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for coming to comment on my blog Danielle. You have a very, very specific idea of what you want and that is more than the majority of people. If you can articulate it, you can probably find it. oh and the post on amorology is awesome. i keep going back to look at it, just for the music, which is now stuck in my head indefinitely

Anonymous said...

Susan's photos are amazing--what a talented photographer with a great eye! Thank for sharing.

perfect bound said...

I am blown away. I love each photograph more than the next. Although the first one is priceless. I agree that slight instruction from a photographer is so important. Afterall, they are the experts. We are just the blushing brides.

Toronto Wedding&Portrait Photographer, Andreas. said...

Very well said, I agree 100%
www.andreasphoto.ca
http://www.andreasphoto.blogspot.com

George @ TTL Wedding Photography said...

Susan's work is amazing!!!

Stacey said...

I just love these wedding images and the diamond ring is beautiful too.